Methods of creating a tamper resistant informational article

ABSTRACT

Methods of creating tamper resistant informational articles and related products are disclosed. In one embodiment, a lens has a preformed transparent hologram, metallized portions are provided and may be altered through selective application of heat to predetermined parts thereof to create information which may be fixed or variable. Printing may be provided on the hologram before metallizing. A base portion underlies the metallized layer. In yet another embodiment of the invention, an opaque base portion has a hologram formed in the upper surface thereof with portions of the hologram being made readily visible by partial metallization covering only portions of the hologram with or without information provided as by printing overlying or underlying portions of the metallized sector or both. A transparent overlying lens is secured in overlying relationship. Metallizing may be such as to permit viewing underlying hologram portions or information or not. A corresponding method is provided.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

The present application is a divisional application of U.S. Ser. No.09/859,940, filed May 17, 2001, which is a continuation-in-part of U.S.Ser. No. 09/723,178, filed Nov. 27, 2000, which was acontinuation-in-part of U.S. Ser. No. 09/019,509 filed Feb. 5, 1998 nowU.S. Pat. No. 6,164,548.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a method for creating tamper resistantinformational articles and the resultant product and includes variousembodiments of holograms formed within a metal layer or within aresinous plastic layer with the information to be protected being placedon or adjacent to the hologram as by printing, for example, andadditional material protectively overlying the same.

2. Description of the Prior Art

It has been known for many purposes to provide means to protectinformational articles from counterfeiting and alteration. For example,with respect to paper currency, it has been known to use special inks,graphic designs, codes and materials to make it more difficult forcounterfeiters to copy the currency. It has also been known to protectcards, such as credit cards, identification cards, debit cards,membership cards and other cards from deterioration, reproduction andalteration by encasing them between a pair of laminated plastic sheets,at least one of which is transparent. See generally, U.S. Pat. No.3,582,439. Such systems may encapsulate the information to be protectedbetween multiple sheets of resinous plastic, such as PVC, for example,joined using heat.

It has also been known to employ holograms in credit cards and the likeso as to inhibit unauthorized reproduction of the same.

U.S. Pat. No. 4,631,222 discloses a hot embossing foil which includes amagnetic layer and a layer which has a structure producing a diffractioneffects such as a hologram. Adhesive means may be employed to secure theelement to a substrate. The backing foil is adapted to be released froma transfer layer. See U.S. Pat. No. 3,582,439.

U.S. Pat. No. 4,378,392 discloses a laminate which is said to extend thelife of a photograph. A plurality of films are adhesively bonded in aprotective relationship with respect to a photograph.

U.S. Pat. No. 4,897,533 discloses providing credit cards with magnetictapes with the card being provided with a transparent film which maytake the form of an ultraviolet curable varnish.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,248,544 discloses the use of holograms on paperarticles.

U.S. Pat. No. 4,684,795 discloses the use of a security tape whichcontains an embossed holographic image on a clear polyester carrierwhich is then coated with ferrous oxide to form a magnetic strip with anoptically viewable holographic image thereon.

U.S. Pat. No. 4,856,857 discloses the use of a transparent hologramwhich may be provided with an overlying removable support layer and anunderlying adhesive for securement of the hologram to an article.

U.S. Pat. No. 4,971,646 discloses a holographic film product wherein afilm or plastic adhesive is employed to secure a hologram film andmetallized coating which underlies a printed layer and a protectivelayer of clear film.

U.S. Pat. No. 4,429,015 discloses a laminated identification cardwherein efforts to delaminate the card result in fibers of uniaxiallyoriented polyethylene or polypropylene layers being torn to therebyprovide a visual indication of tampering.

My U.S. Pat. No. 5,243,641 discloses protecting from undesiredalteration articles having information added after creation of a form.This is accomplished by providing a zone of distinct appearance, such asa hologram, placing the added information thereover, and covering theadded information and at least a portion of the distinctive zone with awrite resistant material. In this manner, accurate photocopying of thedocument, so as to permit alteration, is resisted as is writing over theinserted information.

My U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,370,763 and 5,595,624 discloses methods of makingtamper evident and counterfeit resisting informational articles. Ahologram is applied to the article, the information is inserted over thehologram and a transparent tape is applied thereover with a writeresistant coating, such as silicone resin, being applied thereover. Aparticular end use disclosed is in connection with creating a temporaryvehicle or registration.

My U.S. Pat. No. 5,948,555 discloses a tamper resistant vehicularvalidation tab of the type frequently inserted into a recess in avehicular license plate. As a result of differential adhesive propertiesprovided between layers of the article, an effort to separate the sameresults in destruction of the integrity of the information providedtherein. A further embodiment usable in connection with vehicle windowsis disclosed in my U.S. patent application, Ser. No. 08/854,717.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,044,707 discloses discontinuous reflective holograms. Ithas also been known to form holograms in clear plastic film withmetallizing enhancing visibility of surface of the relief patternstherein. See generally U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,044,707; 5,071,597; 5,083,850;5,085,514; 5,116,548; and 5,142,383.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,128,779 discloses the use of reflective aluminum dotspositioned across a surface relief pattern with the spacing being suchthat the text or graphics on the substrate may be viewed through thehologram. See also U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,145,212 and 5,411,296.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,838,466 discloses a film which resists viewing of thehologram as a result of matching refractory indices resisting suchviewing until the film has been separated.

In spite of the foregoing, there remains a very real and substantialneed for providing articles which have information which may be standardinformation employed on all of the articles and, in some instances,additional information which is variable perhaps identifying the user ora corporate identity or the like. This is accomplished in such a mannerthat the information is readily visible by the naked eye or machinereadable while photocopying and access to the same for alteration orcounterfeiting are effectively resisted.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides a plurality of embodiments, each of whichis adapted to provide the desired information, whether it be variable orstandard information, and whether it be readable by the human eye ormachine readable and stored on magnetic media. The information isphysically encased within protective materials thereby precluding directaccess for alteration. It also contains means which resist undesiredphotocopying.

The methods of the present invention reduce the number of layers andvendor supplied components required and reduce cost through streamliningthe method. The methods also provide the option of full manufacture ofthe article at a central manufacturing facility or providing a partiallyfabricated article which can be completed in a simple operation at aretail store or other location.

In one method of the invention, a hologram is formed in a metal foillayer after which the desired information is created on the metal foil,at least partially over the hologram, and the information andhologram-containing metal foil are encapsulated within a resinousplastic material. The encapsulation is preferably effected by extrusionof the resinous plastic material over the foil. In the alternative, thefoil may also be encapsulated by injection molding. The items may beformed in an elongated continuous strip with individual cards or otherunitary articles being separate therefrom.

The method also contemplates creating a base having an upper surface anda lower surface by passing an elongated metal core through an extruder.The extruder encapsulates the metal core with a resinous plasticmaterial, securing a magnetic media storage element to the base. A lensis created by providing an elongated transparent plastic layer andforming a hologram in the lower surface thereof with information to beprotected being applied to the hologram as by printing, for example. Theupper surface of the base is then secured to the lower surface of thelens. In a preferred embodiment, the securement of the lens and base iseffected within a sufficient time after extrusion that the resinousplastic is at an elevated temperature from the extrusion process.

If desired, small glass beads or metallic particles may be inserted intothe resinous plastic material to resist undesired photocopying of theinformation or the card.

In one embodiment of the invention, the metal foil core may serve as aground which resists undesired loss of information stored on magneticmedia within the card. Also, an antenna may be provided within the cardso as to effect more efficient transfer of information between the cardand an operably associated machine. Further, if the antenna is providedin a proper configuration, such as a coil, it may receive and storeelectromagnetic energy directed to the card and employs the energy tooperate the card's internal system.

A tamper resistant informational article may include a hologram formedin a metal foil core with information on the foil, at least partiallyoverlying the hologram, and a resinous plastic material encapsulatingthe foil with the resinous plastic being transparent. The card may, forexample, take the form of credit cards, smart cards, identificationcards or debit cards. The information applied to the cards may be instrongly contrasting color for ready visibility. This article willresist counterfeiting.

In another embodiment of the invention, a transparent lens having anupper surface and a lower surface has a hologram formed in the lowersurface thereof and information applied to the lower surface of thehologram. A base has a metal core encapsulated in a resinous plasticmaterial. A magnetic media storage element may be secured to the basewith the base being secured to the lower surface of the lens to therebyprotectively encase the hologram and the information. The magneticstorage media element may be an elongated magnetic strip or a microchip,for example.

In another embodiment, a hologram may be formed in the surface of atransparent resinous material and with information being printed on thehologram with subsequent metallizing of the printed hologram by aspraying or other means with a metal layer being produced thereover. Asecond resinous layer may be secured over the metallized-printedhologram.

In another embodiment of the invention, a hologram is formed in thelower surface of a transparent resinous lens and is metallized eithercompletely or selectively, with or without “information” being appliedto the hologram prior to metallizing. In the embodiments wheresubstantially complete metallizing of the hologram is provided, portionsof the metallized layer may be altered through application of heat inpredetermined regions as by thermal printing means. Similarly, evenwhere selective metallizing of portions of the hologram has beenprovided so that the entire hologram and information are not covered bythe metallized layer, portions of the thin metallized coating may bealtered to create desired information in the metallized layer and theadjacent contacting resinous hologram-containing portion. The base,which may be opaque, is then secured thereunder to the lower surface ofthe lens to resist others getting physical access to the information. Acorresponding product is provided.

In yet another embodiment of the invention, an opaque base member has ahologram formed in an upper surface thereof with portions of thehologram covered by metallized sections achieved through partialmetallization and an overlying clear lens securing the assembly.Information may be provided overlying or underlying all or portions ofthe metallized sectors. A corresponding method of creating suchstructures is disclosed.

It is an object of the present invention to provide methods andassociated products for creating an information-containing articlewherein the information cannot be directly accessed for alteration andthe article resists counterfeiting as by photocopying.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide such a systemwherein the informational articles may be made in multiple quantitieswhich are unitary initially and subsequently severed into individualarticles.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide such a methodand product which is adapted to store information on magnetic storagemedia and in certain embodiments to have the article provided with ametal strip which serves as a ground and/or a metal strip which servesas an antenna to resist undesired loss of stored information and toenhance efficiency of communication with equipment operativelyassociated therewith.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide such a systemwhich streamlines the manufacturing process and is economical to employ.

It is another object of the present invention to provide such a systemwherein information may contain both (a) standard information employedon all of the articles and (b) variable information which may be keyedto the identity of a particular individual or business entity.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide such a systemwherein an article can be partially made at a facility remote from theretail store or other business establishment having limited equipmentwhich completes the manufacture thereof.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide a systemwhich permits customized manufacture of informational articles havingthe security, durability and functionality desired.

It is a further object of the invention to provide a system forproviding an article with secure information capability wherein eitherfixed information or variable information, or both, may be created byselectively metallizing the layer containing the hologram.

It is another object of the present invention to provide such ametallized hologram information structure which may have the initialmanufacture of a lens at a first location followed by customizing atanother location with subsequent securement of the lens to an underlyingprotective base.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide a metallizedsecure informational article wherein the information is created at leastin part through electrically energized, predetermined, thermalmodification of the metallized layer.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide such a systemwherein a resinous material may have a lower surface provided with ahologram with information provided to the hologram and an underlyingmetallized layer which may partially or entirely cover the informationand hologram being provided and, if desired, subsequent thermalalteration of portions of the metallized layer.

It is yet another object of the present invention to provide an opaquebase member with a hologram formed in the upper surface thereof withpartial metallizing serving to permit viewing of predetermined portionsof the hologram with or without information provided under the partiallymetallized portions, over the partially metallized portions or both,with a transparent overlying lens securing the assembly.

These and other objects of the invention will be more fully understoodfrom the following description on reference to the illustrationsappended hereto.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a front elevational view of an informational article of thepresent invention.

FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional illustration of the informational article ofFIG. 1 taken through 2—2.

FIG. 3 is a partially schematic illustration showing the method ofmaking an informational article of the type shown in FIGS. 1 and 2.

FIG. 4 is a partially exploded view showing a portion of the process ofmaking an informational article of another embodiment of the presentinvention.

FIG. 5 is a schematic illustration of a method of making theinformational article of FIG. 4.

FIG. 6 is a bottom plan view of the informational article of FIG. 4.

FIG. 7 shows a modified form of informational article of the presentinvention.

FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view showing a portion of the informationalarticle of FIG. 7 taken through 8—8.

FIG. 9 is a schematic exploded view of a form of informational articleof the present invention.

FIG. 10 is a schematic illustration of a method of manufacturing theinformational article of the present invention.

FIG. 11 is an exploded view of another embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 12 is an exploded view of a modified embodiment of the presentinvention.

FIG. 13 is a top plan view of the lens of FIG. 12 with a predeterminedpattern of voids provided in the metallized layer.

FIG. 14 is a schematic illustration of a form of method of manufacturingthe modified construction of FIG. 12.

FIG. 15 is a plan view showing a multiple width, multiple lengthinformational article prior to separation of individual articlestherefrom.

FIG. 16 shows a modified form of the informational article of thepresent invention wherein both fixed information and customized orvariable information have been provided.

FIG. 17 is an exploded view of a further embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 18 is an exploded view of a further modified embodiment of theembodiment of FIG. 17.

FIG. 19 is a top plan view of an item representative of the embodimentsof FIGS. 17 and 18.

FIG. 20 is a schematic illustration of the form of method ofmanufacturing the modified embodiments of FIGS. 17 through 19.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

As employed herein, the term “informational article” refers to anarticle which is adapted to provide through words, graphics, color codesor other means information which may be provided in a form visuallyperceived by the human eye or in machine readable form such asinformation stored on magnetic media, such as a magnetic strip ormicrochip. The term will expressly include, but not be limited to,identification cards, credit cards, debit cards, smart cards,organization membership cards, security system cards, security entrypermits, and other information providing articles wherein it may bedesired to resist alteration, tampering or reproduction.

As used herein, the term “hologram” is used in its conventional broadsense and includes the use of a single hologram element alone ormultiple hologram elements which may or may not be touching each otheror physically in close proximity to each other.

As used herein, the term “encapsulated,” when employed, for example, torefer to a metal strip being encapsulated as by extrusion of a resinousplastic material therearound, it will be understood that the endportions of the elongated strip or individual articles severedtherefrom, may have the metal edges exposed and, as a result, the termwill embrace strips which are completely encapsulated and substantiallycompletely encapsulated, such as where strip ends are exposed. The term“metal strip” will include a strip made of metal, as well as othermaterials which have been partially or totally covered by a metal layer.

Referring in greater detail to FIGS. 1 and 2, there is shown a form ofinformational article 2. The card has a first line of generalinformation 6 which identifies the source of the card as “ABC BANK” andwill appear on all cards. This type of information will be regarded forconvenience of reference therein as “fixed information,” which willappear on every item in the series. Positioned below the fixedinformation are lines of variable data 8, 10 which is customized to theparticular holder of the card. In this example, the card bears number1234-5678 and the individual is identified as “D. E. SMITH.” It isimportant that the information 6, 8, 10 be protected against (a)alteration by resisting access to the information 6, 8, 10 and (b)photocopying. In this embodiment of the invention a metal foil layer 12has a hologram indicated generally by the referenced number 60 formeddirectly in the foil 12 through embossment. This embossed foil 12,therefore, provides both the desired requirement of physical relief andmetallizing within the single article. The foil 12 may be aluminum foilor copper foil, for example, and may have a thickness of about 15 to 150microns. The card 2 may have a total thickness of about 750 microns, forexample.

In the specific example of FIGS. 1 and 2, the fixed information willalso include the multi-component graphic element 18 which may be of anydesired size and shape and may be repeated at two or more locations, ifdesired. The hologram, in the form shown, consists of a plurality ofgenerally diamond-shaped elements with a first group 22, 24, 26, 28, 30,32, 34, 36, 38 being of a larger size than the smaller diamonds 42, 44,46, 48, 50, 52, 54 and 58. In the form shown, the diamonds arepositioned across the informational article 2 and are generally groupedinto vertical arrays of two or three diamonds. It will be noted thatportions of the information 6, 8, 10 overlie the holograms. In thismanner, any effort to counterfeit as by photocopying and subsequentlyalter the photocopy will be resisted, as the hologram will interferewith such copying and alteration.

As a further security measure, portions of the informational articlewill be of a substantially different color than other portions. Suchportions are preferably provided in positions generally overlying thehologram and underlying the information. In the form shown, a pluralityof generally vertically oriented, generally parallel lines 60, 64, 68,70, 72, 74 and a pair of generally parallel end portions 80, 84 have acolor which contrasts substantially with the remaining background colorindicated generally by the reference number 90 of the remainder of thecard. It will be noted that, in the form shown, color band 60 overlieshologram 54 and underlies the letter “A” in the fixed information. Colorband 64 underlies a portion of the letter “C”, a portion of the number“3” and a portion of letter “E”. Color band 68 underlies a portion ofthe second letter “A” in the fixed information 6 and color band 70underlies a portion of the number “7” and the letter “T” while overlyinghologram segment 58. The number “8” overlies hologram 26. It will beappreciated that various combinations of such features may be employedto provide the desired degree of security.

As shown best in FIG. 2, a resinous plastic material 100 encapsulatesthe hologram-containing metal foil 12, fixed information 6, and variableinformation 8, 10, as well as the color bands 60, 64, 68, 70, 72, 74. Itis preferred that the thickness “T” of the resinous plastic materialportion overlying the foil 12 and hologram, be about 10 to 20 mils. In apreferred embodiment, an overlying anti-abrasive coating 104 may besecured to the resinous plastic material 100 preferably, while theresinous plastic material is at an elevated temperature so as to takeadvantage of the heat contained therein. The resinous plastic materialmay, for example, be polyethylene. The resinous plastic material ispreferably thermoplastic as any melting of the same will tend to damageor destroy the information 6, 8, 10. The resinous plastic material 100and the anti-abrasive coating 104, if used, should be transparent so asto permit ready visual observation of the information 6, 8, 10.

FIG. 3 shows a schematic illustration of a method of making theinformational article of FIGS. 1 and 2. A coil 126 of metal foil, suchas aluminum foil, may be either single width or multiple width,depending upon the informational article being made. There may be notonly severance of longitudinal segments to create individualinformational articles, but also creating a plurality across the widthof the strip requiring additional slitting to separate the individualinformational articles. Cooperating rolls 128, 170 serve to emboss thefoil 122 as it passes therebetween to create a hologram in the foil. Thefoil moving in the direction indicated by the arrows A, B, C is thensubjected to a printing operation wherein the cooperating printing means132, 134 causes “information” to be provided on upper surface 140 of thefoil 122 overlying the hologram. The foil then enters extruder 144wherein the foil 122 containing on its upwardly facing surface thehologram and overlying information is encapsulated with a resinousplastic material 146 to create the construction shown generally in FIG.2. If it is desired to have an overlying anti-abrasion layer 104, thismay be applied as either a coating or a film after extrusion, butpreferably during the period of time that the resinous plastic material146 is at an elevated temperature. This will help bond the anti-frictioncoating 104 to the underlying resinous material 146. If theanti-abrasive material is supplied as a film, a suitable reel (notshown), may serve as the source of the film and a pair of rolls (notshown) applying pressure cause layer 104 to be urged into intimatecontact with the upper surface of the resinous plastic material 146. Acutter which may consist of an anvil base 150 and a cutting element 152,which is well known to those skilled in the art, severs the longitudinalproduct into a plurality of individual informational articles, such as153, 154, which are transported by endless belt conveyor 160 to thedesired cooling, packaging or storage area.

If desired, a bar code (not shown) may be provided in protected positionwithin resinous plastic material 100 overlying hologram, but notinterfering with information 6, 8, 10.

It will be appreciated that the embodiment of FIGS. 1 and 2 isolates theinformation 6, 8, 10 from direct access and alteration. Also, thepresence of the hologram, the bands of material of different color andthe positioning of the information with respect to both will resistphotocopying and alteration of the photocopy in efforts to counterfeitthe same. This is accomplished in a streamlined manner with a minimumnumber of material layers.

Referring to FIGS. 4 through 6, another embodiment of the invention willbe considered. In this embodiment of the invention the informationalarticle is created from a lens 190 and a base 192. The lens has aresinous plastic film 194 which may be composed of a polyester orpolypropylene, for example, and may have an overlying transparentanti-abrasive coating 196. It is preferred that the film 194 have athickness of about 10 to 25 percent of the overall card thickness. Anembossed hologram 200 is formed in the underside of the lens 190 andinformation 202 is provided adjacent to the hologram 200 which issubsequently metallized 203 as by coating or foil. The lens 190 willpermit viewing from above with the hologram 200 partially overlying theinformation 202, which may preferably be created by extrusion. Base 192has a metal core 206 encapsulated within a resinous plastic material210. In the embodiment shown, a magnetic storage media layer 212, whichmay take the form of a magnetic strip, has a length which isco-extensive with the length L of the informational article 216 which,in the form shown, is a card having a width W. An antenna member 220,disposed within zone 221, which may also be composed of metal, ispositioned in spaced adjacency to the magnetic strip 212 as shown inFIG. 6. As shown in FIGS. 4 and 6, the antenna 220 is connected to themagnetic strip 212 which by lead 223 is connected to ground 206. Themagnetic strip 212 may be secured to the informational article 216 bylamination or hot stamping. The antenna 220 may be composed of metalwire or cooled metal foil or may be printed with electrically conductiveink on the article in a predetermined pattern. The antenna 220 can alsobe created by establishing a metallized zone on the card surface. In theform shown in FIG. 6, antenna 220 has a width w (FIG. 6). In assemblingthe article shown in FIG. 6, the lower surface 222 of the lens 190, issecured to the upper surface 224 of the base 192, preferably while theextruded material 210 is at an elevated temperature so as to facilitateeffective securement, preferably under the influence of applied pressureas by rolls urging the lens 190 and base 192 together. It will beappreciated that in this manner the information 202 is effectivelyshielded from direct access without at least partial destruction of theassembly and yet, it is readily visible from a position indicated by thearrow D in FIG. 4. It will be appreciated also, that information may beprovided by the card 216 through visual means as viewed from arrow D bythe naked eyes, as well as through machine reading information containedon the magnetic strip 212 which cooperates with antenna 220 and ground206.

In order to provide additional resistance to undesired photocopying ofthe informational article, a plurality of particles, such as 226, 228,are intermixed with the resinous plastic material 210, such that theparticles which are preferably rather small, and may be glass beads orhologram fragments. These particles may occupy about ¼ percent to ¾percent of the total volume of the resinous plastic material 210 ormetal foil particles, for example.

Referring again to FIG. 6, it will be noted that a zone 230 of adifferent colored material which may, for example, be an opaque ink, isprovided so that the card holder may put his or her signature 232 overzone 230 as a further security measure.

Referring to FIG. 5, a schematic illustrating a method of making thecards shown in FIGS. 4 and 6 will be considered. In this embodiment, theflow is in the direction indicated by the arrow E. The metal foil 250which may advantageously be aluminum or copper strip, is fed from reel252 and enters extruder 256 which serves to encapsulate the metal foilwith a resinous plastic material as shown at 260. Subsequently, as thematerial moves in the direction indicated by arrow F, the previouslycreated lens 290 which has the underlying metallized hologram 200 andinformation 202 (FIG. 4), as well as the transparent film 194 andanti-abrasive transparent layer 196, is delivered to the upper surfaceof encapsulated metal foil 260. The magnetic strip 294 is delivered tothe undersurface of encapsulated metal foil 260 with the metal antenna298 which may be composed of aluminum, copper or other electricallyconductive material being applied to the assembly. Rolls 300, 302 applypressure to the encapsulated metal core 260, the magnetic strip 294, theantenna 298 and the lens 290, to urge the assembly into firm selfbonding which is contributed to by the extruded resinous plasticmaterial being at an elevated temperature. It will be appreciated thatthe resinous material is transparent so that the metal layer 250 willserve to render the hologram 200 visible.

The assembly is then moved through cooling zone 306 wherein thetemperature is reduced to about 40° F. to 80° F. The cutter means 310,312, which may be any conventional means, serves to sever the elongatedinformational article 314 into a plurality of individual informationalarticles, such as 316, 322, 324, for example. The articles may beindividual cards, such as a card selected from the group consisting ofdebit cards, smart cards, identification cards, organization membershipcards, security cards, security entry permits and other informationproviding articles. In the event that the informational articlesemerging from cooling means 306 are of multiple width cutting in thelongitudinal direction, will be required to create individual cards.

It will be appreciated that in this embodiment the metal foil 250 servesas a ground to minimize undesired loss of information from the magneticstrip and facilitate efficient communication between the magnetic stripand machines which are capable of communicating with the card bydelivering information thereto and receiving information therefrom.Also, the antenna 298 is composed of metal and serves to enhanceefficiency of communication between the card and the operativelyassociated piece of equipment.

Referring to FIGS. 7 through 9, a further embodiment of the inventionwill be considered. The informational article 350 has a transparent lens354 and an underlying base 370. The lens 354 includes a transparent film356, an overlying anti-abrasive layer 358, an underlying hologram 360formed by embossment of the film 356 and the information 364. Theunderlying base 370 which includes a metal foil core 372, anencapsulating resinous plastic material 374, and an antenna 380. Amagnetic storage media takes the form of a microchip 384 which issecured to antenna 385 both of which are received within a recess in thebase 370 of the informational article and may contain a storage capacityon the order of number 8K or substantially greater, for example. Themicrochip is connected to metal core 372 by lead 387. In this embodimentof the invention, the hologram portion that is visible will be containedwithin the rectangle 390 which, in the form shown, has three elongatedhologram elements 392, 394, 396 in a transparent portion of theinformational layer 364, thereby permitting the underlying metal layer372, to enable the hologram to be visualized. In order to enhance theresistance to reproduction by photocopying, a plurality of particles,such as 400, 402, are provided within the resinous plastic materialwithin rectangle 390 so as to resist undesired photocopying. Theparticles preferably occupy a volume which is about ¼ to ¾ percent ofthe total volume of the resinous plastic material. As the remainingportion 365 of the informational article 350 is opaque, the hologramwill not be visualized as the metal layer 372 underlies the opaqueportion 365 which, in the form shown in FIG. 7, is present on allportions of the informational article 350 as viewed in FIG. 7, exceptsections 390 and 420. The opaque portion 365 serves as an area forreceipt of a portion of the information which will be discussed hereinprovides the visual impression. The opaque portions may be created byany means known to those skilled in the art, such as impregnation inportions of the transparent film 356 or by surface colorings. Apreferred approach is to provide a colored film with open or transparentwindows overlying the hologram.

It will be noted that the information may be considered to be theelements designated generally by the number 401. The legend “ABC CORP.”which may be standard information present on all of the cards and also,a corresponding series of graphic components 403, 405, 407 which arepreferably of contrasting color with respect to the base informationalportion 365 such that the information is readily visible. The standardinformation may also include “No. 410.” The variable data may consist ofthe numbers following “No.” 410, as identified by the number 412 and, inthe form shown, consists of the numbers “12345” which may be employed toidentify a particular entity or individual. It is noted that a portionof the first portion 398 of the hologram which, in the form shown, isrectangular has overlying a portion of the standard information 401,410. The second portion 420 of the hologram in the form of a rectanglecontains graphic components 422, 426 and particles, such as 428, 430,with a portion of the numbers “2, 3” and the numbers “4, 5” positionedthereover. As a result, the information 401, 403, 405, 407, 410 and 412is protectively encased within the assembly. Efforts to gain access tothe same will result in at least partial destruction and a visibleindication of such efforts. Also, efforts to reproduce the informationor reproduce and alter the information, as by photocopying or othercounterfeiting means, will be resisted as a result of the holograms andthe associated particles.

It will be appreciated that the informational layers may be providedwith whatever contrasting colors, graphic components, print fonts orcombinations thereof and other features so as to enhance visibility andresist alteration and reproduction.

Referring to FIG. 9, an exploded view of a form of the embodiment shownin FIGS. 7 and 8 will be considered. The assembly has an abrasionresistant coating material 403 which is to be secured to the uppersurface 432 of transparent film 434 which contains a hologram 438embossed in a lower surface 440 thereof. In this embodiment filmcontaining a first print color 442 and certain transparent portions, aswell as film 444, which contains a second print color and certaintransparent portions, provides the “information” in underlyingcontacting relationship to the film 434, which film may be made ofpolyester, for example, and have a thickness of about 0.5 mil to 2 mils.A metal foil layer 446 will serve to visualize those portions of thehologram 438 which have transparent sectors within both films 442 and444. It will be appreciated that in lieu of employing the preprintedfilms 442, 444, the information may be printed on the hologram 438. Baseportion 450, which is shown only schematically, will be the resinousplastic material having a metal foil core, as hereinbefore described,and suitable magnetic storage media, such as microchip 384, as well asan antenna, if desired. The information article, in lieu of havingmagnetic storage media, may have other means for communicatinginformation, such as a bar code, which may be read by an appropriateoperatively associated piece of equipment.

Referring to FIG. 10, the structures disclosed in FIGS. 7 through 9 mayreadily be made by the method shown schematically in FIG. 10. A suitablecarrier which will function as the core 470 of the base and may be ametal foil, such as aluminum or copper, for example, will enter anextruder 474. The resinous plastic material may, for example, be apolyester, an acrylonitrile butadiene and styrene (ABS) copolymer or avinyl monomer or polymer (and put in other parts of application). Theinformation film 480, which is primarily the lens, will include thetransparent film, an overlying anti-abrasion layer, if provided, anembossed hologram formed in the film, and one or more layers of theinformation. Rolls 490, 492 under the influence of pressure andpreferably the elevated temperature of the resinous plastic materialemerging from the extruder, which may have a temperature on the order of360Ε F., create the permanent joinder of the lens to the base.

Referring to FIG. 11, a further embodiment of the invention will beconsidered. This invention contemplates pre-manufacture of a portion oflens 500 of the assembly. A retail store or other location having morelimited equipment than would be required to make the complete assemblyof the other embodiments of the invention, after providing informationon a preformed article, would complete the informational article.

In the form shown, the lens 500 has a transparent and preferablysubstantially rigid resinous layer 510 with an overlying anti-abrasivecoating 506 and an underlying integrally formed hologram 512. Theproduct shipped to the final fabricator will consist of the transparentassembly 506, 510, 512, which is preferably substantially rigid. Thismay be stored, if desired, before completion of the article. The enduser will provide the information 514 on the hologram and metallizingwill subsequently occur in order to permit the hologram to be readilyvisualized. While the metallizing can take the form of a coating orspray, in the form shown, the base portion 502 has a resinous layer 522to the top of which is secured a metallic foil layer 520. The base 502can be secured to the lens 500 by any desirable means such asself-bonding or adhesive. It will be appreciated that in this manner thedurability, information protecting assembly and ready visibility of theinformation is provided by resisting undesired counterfeiting oraltering of the information 514.

Referring to FIG. 12, a further embodiment of the present invention willbe considered. In this embodiment, a lens 600, which has similarcharacteristics to that identified as 500 in FIG. 11, may be processedin a modified manner. The lens has a transparent and preferablysubstantially rigid resinous layer 610 with or without an overlyingabrasive resistant film or coating 606 and an underlying integrallyformed hologram 612. In a preferred embodiment, the hologram-containinglayer 610 may be created by injection molding. It also has information616 applied to the underside of hologram 612 and an underlyingmetallized layer 618 which may be selective in that one or more sectionscover only part of the hologram in a predetermined manner orsubstantially continuous. In order to provide the “information,” themetallized layer will be processed in a manner to be hereinafterdescribed so as to create departures of a uniform metal coating, such asexemplified by areas 620, 622, 624, 626, 628, 630, 634, 636, 638 whichrepresent areas not covered by the metallizing. Alternating with theseregions are metallized regions 650, 652, 654, 656, 658, 662, 664, 666,668 and 670. The integrally formed hologram 612, in the form shown,includes three rectangles 672, 673, and 674 which, as viewed from above,permit viewing of portions of the underlying alternating (a) nonmetallicregions 620-638 (even numbers only) and (b) metallized areas 650-664(even numbers only). In the form shown, the information 616 also hasfixed information consisting of “ABC CORP.” It will be appreciated that,if desired, the information may be established through printing as bythermal transfer employing thermal transfer ribbons, wherein selectedareas which are heated to cause the ribbon dye to create the information616 or, in the alternative, or in addition thereto, the application ofheat may cause the metallizing to be selectively altered in certainareas to provide the desired shape and reflectivity, thereby providinganother degree of freedom.

For purposes of illustration, it will be seen in FIG. 13 that the lens600 has a selectively metallized layer 618 through which a plurality ofvoids or partial voids 620-638 in the form of generally parallel bandshave been provided. The manner of providing these bands will bediscussed hereinafter. An underlying, separately formed resinous base602 is secured to the undersurface of metallized layer 618 as by the useof heat and pressure in order to seal the undersurface of the lens 600,thereby creating an informational article which resists tampering withthe information 616 and metallized layer 618 and the voids createdtherein, such as elements 620-638. While the transparent upper layers606, 610 permit viewing of the hologram 612 and the selectivelymetallized layer 618, it will be appreciated that access to the interiorto alter the components will be resisted.

It will be appreciated that while a series of generally parallel bands620-638 have been shown by way of example, the information 616 and/ormetallized layer 618 can be in the form of words, letters, numbers,photograph images, graphic components, random voids, or any combinationsthereof, in order to provide for a sealed, difficult to alterinformational article. A preferred means of providing the lens 602 wouldbe to create a metallized layer such as by, for example, spraying, vapormetallization, plasma circulation, or spattering a relative thin film ofan appropriate metal, such as aluminum, copper or gold, for example, onthe hologram 612. It is preferred that the metallized layer have athickness of about 80 to 120 Angstroms have a contour corresponding tothe hologram 612.

In a preferred manner of providing the voids 620-638 or selectiveapplication of a metallic layer to only predetermined portions of thehologram 612 involve a suitably programmed source of electrical energyto establish predetermined regions of heating of the metallized layerthereby melting the same to alter its appearance will be employed. Asimilar concept is employed in well known thermal transfer ribbonprinters wherein the printer is programmed to selectively heat theribbon in certain patterns and thereby transfer the dye to an article.Suitable printers are well known to those skilled in the art. See, forexample, U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,947,618, 6,025,017 and 6,109,801, thedisclosures of which are expressly incorporated herein by reference.Such ribbon thermal printing may be employed to create information 616(“ABC CORP”) on the hologram before metallizing. An alternative would beto print on the hologram by using an ink jet printer. As employedherein, the term “printed information” shall refer to informationapplied to the hologram before metallizing and information created aftermetallizing, but involving deposit of dye or other material ascontrasted with the metallized portions or portions being altered purelyby thermal means. In the present apparatus, a suitably programmedthermal printer may be employed without the thermally activated dyetransfer ribbon and directly apply the pattern of heat to the metallizedlayer. This will generally involve positioning the metallized layer incontacting or relatively close proximity to the programmed thermalprinter. The lens 600 may be provided with a generally continuousmetallized layer or multiple separate metallized portions with someonelocated remote from the manufacturing location of the lens 600 applyingthe desired pattern. Subsequently, the underlying resinous base 602 hasits upper surface 669 bonded to the lower surface of lens 600, therebyresisting subsequent access to the metallized layer without requiring atleast partial destruction of the informational article. As the thermalprinters and the method of programming the same are well known to thoseskilled in the art, details need not be provided herein.

It will be appreciated that a main objective in modifying the total orpartial metallized layer will be to selectively apply heat in apre-programmed manner so as to modify the metallized layer. In a firstembodiment where printed information, such as information 616, whichincludes the letters “ABC CORP,” is applied to the hologram 612 or insituations where information 616 is not employed, the continuous orselective presentation of metallized portions and subsequentpre-programmed thermal modification of the metal layer in desired areasproduces the desired completed lens 600 which may subsequently besecured to the resinous base 602. It is desired to have the heat whichselectively modifies the metallized layer be sufficiently intense as toalso modify the resinous layer 610 within which the hologram 612 isformed to thereby permanently alter the hologram-containing resinouslayer 610 and thereby further resist undesired alteration. It will beappreciated that the thermal modification of the metallized layer may beaccomplished with a thermal printer or other means for programmedselected application of heat to the lower surface of the lens 600.

The base member 602 is preferably opaque so that the completedinformational article may be viewed through the lens 600, but notthrough the base 602. If desired, the base 602 article may serve anotherpurpose such as providing information, or in the case of certaininformational articles, permitting insertion of certain customizedinformation, such as an authorized individual signature, such as isshown, for example, in FIG. 6. If desired, a magnetic strip andassociated components, as disclosed in connection with FIGS. 4-6, may beincorporated in base member 602. The magnetic strip may be loaded withdesired data in a manner known to those skilled in the art after articleformation is a final step in the process.

Referring to FIG. 14, a preferred method of this embodiment has asuitable source of the resinous plastic web material 700, such as reel702, deliver the material in the direction shown by the arrow A to astation where a pair of co-acting members 706, 708 serve to form thehologram 612 (FIG. 12) in the lower surface of web 700. Co-actingelement 706 has a generally planar (shown oversized for clarity ofillustration) lower surface 710 and upper surface of co-acting element708 has relief 714 which forms the hologram in the undersurface of web700. In general, in a manner well known to those skilled in the art, theweb 700 will dwell for a period of time required for the co-actingelement 706, 708 to be subjected to relative closing movement in themanner with elevated temperature contributing to forming of thehologram. If the material out of which the lens is made is substantiallyrigid, it may be fed directly to the system without the use of reel 702.

In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, processing station719 contains a suitable software controlled (a) printer 721, (b)metallizer 723, and (c) thermal unit 725 which customize the lens. Theprinter, which provides for information on the hologram, may be anysuitable printer such as, for example, an ink jet printer or aprogrammable source of heat which may be applied to the lens in apredetermined manner, such as a thermal ribbon printer 719. The printerwhich provides information on the hologram may be any suitable printersuch as, for example, an ink jet printer or a programmable source ofheat which may be applied to the lens in a predetermined manner, such asa thermal ribbon printer 719. It will be appreciated that in oneembodiment “printed information” will be applied to the hologram 612followed by metallizing which may be a substantially continuous layer618 or a plurality of metallized portions of predetermined configurationfurther followed by the application of heat to selected areas of themetallized portion to not only alter the metallized layer by creatingvoids therein, but also create corresponding indentations in portions ofthe resinous layer 610. If desired, the application of the printedinformation may be eliminated in an alternate embodiment. As shown inFIG. 14, the embodiment will have some information provided by printer721 with metallizing being provided covering over the desired region orregions of the undersurface of the hologram 612 and portions of theinformation being provided through suitable metallizing unit 723.Subsequent selected heating of the metallized area being effected byprogrammed unit 725. It will be appreciated that unit 721 and 725 may bein direct contact with the resinous plastic material 700 or may bespaced sufficiently close thereto to accomplish the desired objectives.The lens 727 emerging from the thermal processor 719 proceeds in thedirection of arrow A. The metallizing zone 723 applies a metallizedlayer preferably of a thickness of about 80 to 120 Angstroms.

A source of the anti-abrasive coating material 725 may be reel 724. Thisis secured in intimate relationship with hologram bearing portion of theweb 727 under the influence of heated rolls 734, 736. Base material 729stored on reel 728 is applied to the lower surface of lens 600 under theinfluence of heat and pressure through rolls 734, 736 followed bycutting to unit length by means of cutting element 740 and anvil base742 in order to provide the customized informational article, such as746, which are shown being transported on conveyor 784 in the directionindicated by arrow B. If required, suitable dwell time may be built intothe system to facilitate effective fabrication at each stage.

A single process of manufacture of the entire article at a singlelocation is shown in FIG. 14. If desired, the metallizedhologram-containing lens may be made at a first manufacturing locationwith the printed information, such as shown in FIG. 13, such as 616,being provided at such location and variable information being providedat the same manufacturing location as a single point of manufacturemethod. In the alternative, a lens having a hologram formed therein maybe delivered to a second manufacturing location which may be the end useenvironment wherein either a substantially continuous metal coating orselected coated regions are created and the thermally createdmodifications to the metallized coating will be established withsubsequent joinder of the lens 600 and base 602 serving to complete thearticle. In such case, the standard or fixed information may be providedat either the place of lens manufacture or, more preferably, at the enduser location with the customized or variable information also beingapplied at the end user location. As employed herein the reference totwo manufacturing locations refers to two distinct separatemanufacturing facilities as distinguished from two locations within asingle manufacturing facility. The second manufacturing facility may bethe end user location, for example.

While it is presently preferred to create one article at a time,referring to FIG. 15, there is shown an alternate embodiment having amultiple unit master of informational articles with the direction ofarrow C generally corresponding to the direction of arrows A and B inFIG. 14. In the form shown, the unit has been made in multiple lengths,which consists of a first line having units 785, 786, 787, 788, 789, andcorresponding adjacent units having as the first unit 790 and 791,respectively. A cutter of the type of cutter 740 may be employed tosever these units transversely by providing a suitable size to thecutter 740 and anvil 742 of FIG. 14. Similarly, it is noted that theform shown in FIG. 15 is made in multiple widths. In this case, theunits are three wide as exemplified by 785, 790, 791. Appropriatelongitudinal cutting along separating lines 792, 794 will separate themultiple widths. In this manner, if desired, the efficiency of multiplewidth and multiple length manufacture as a unit followed by subsequentseparation into individual units may be employed. In general, the lensportions would be secured to the base portions after the hologram hasbeen provided and prior to separation. If desired, however, thecustomized processing through applying printed information underlyingthe hologram and modification of the metallized layer may beaccomplished subsequent to separation and prior to securement of thebase thereto.

Referring to FIG. 16, there is shown an informational article 800 whichhas a transparent upper anti-abrasive layer 803. The combined lens andbase may be of the type illustrated in FIG. 12. In this version, thetransparent resinous plastic layer has a hologram formed on theunderside thereof. In this form of the invention, a thermal printer maybe employed with a thermally activated thermal transfer ribbon to applyinformation 802 (“ABC Corporation”) and 804 (“Atlanta Division”) to theundersurface of the hologram. The hologram in the form shown may consistof a plurality of graphic elements such as those indicated by thenumbers 810, 812, 814 with any desired number being present. Theinformation 802, 804 may be regarded as being fixed or standardinformation. Similarly, the thermal transfer ribbon may create variableinformation, such as the name “Judy Brown” identified by the number 850and employee number “No. 765” identified by the number 852. Theselectively metallized portions may include a rectangle 854 within whicha photographic representation 856 of the individual has been providedthrough selective heating of the metallized layer defining rectangle 854to cause voids in the rectangle 854 and a degree of penetration into theresin film so as to resist alteration of the same. Similarly, arectangle 858 containing graphic components 860 and 862 formed byselective thermal activation within the metallized rectangle 858 and themetallized letters ID 864, 866, and arrow 868 all formed withinelongated metallized rectangle 870 which is metallized and customizedthrough selective electrically generated heating is provided. It will beappreciated that in this manner, the informational article can becreated in two stages with initial lens formation and, if desired,certain first information provided as by printing followed bymetallizing and modification within the metallized zone or zones tocreate additional or second information which may be variableinformation with the lens subsequently being secured to an underlyingbase which is preferably opaque to thereby complete the article. Thisprovides resistance to direct access to the information coupled withresistance to alteration in view of the metallized regions havingthermally altered adjacent resinous areas of corresponding informationand the holograms serving to resist photocopying of the article.

In the present embodiment, a uniform metallized coating which may besubstantially continuous and coextensive with the article or may, asshown in FIG. 16, be located in selected areas, is subjected to theaction of the electrically energized software controlled thermal outputprinter or similar device to create both standard information andvariable information. In general, it will be preferred to provide thestandard or fixed information on the underside of the lens first andthen subject that article to metallizing and creation of the variableinformation. The underlying base member would then be secured to thesame to seal the article and resist direct access to the hologram andmetallized layer. Selective thermal alteration of portions of themetallized layer may provide the fixed information prior to orsimultaneously with the variable information. In the example shown inFIG. 16, the variable information includes the employee's name 850, heremployee identification number 852, and her likeness 854. As with all ofthe fixed information and variable information employed in theinformational article, the information may be stored in the softwareparticularly for the fixed information or may be scanned into amicroprocessor, such as the variable information 850, 852, 856.

It will be appreciated that this embodiment of the invention facilitatesmany of the advantageous security features of the present inventionwhile enhancing the ability of the end user to finalize the articlewhile not being required to invest substantial sums in equipment. Also,the systems may be set up so as to be readily employable by the end userwithout requiring highly skilled operators. If desired, other featuresof the invention which serve to resist undesired photocopying of theinformational article, such as, for example, providing color variations,particles such as 226, 228 (FIG. 4) or particles, such as 400, 402 (FIG.7), may be employed in the lens portion overlying the metallic layer. Itwill be appreciated that the concept of this embodiment of the inventionmay be employed on a wide variety of informational articles includingapplication to products, such as CDs, three-dimensional products, partsfor various products, and various types of warranty information appliedto the products, or cards.

Referring to FIG. 17, a further embodiment of the present invention willbe considered. In this embodiment a base layer 950 which may be composedof a suitable resinous material, such as polycarbonate or polyester, forexample, forms the base for a tamper-resistant informational articlewhich may be a card. The base has a lower surface 951 and an uppersurface 953 within which a hologram 952 or a plurality of holograms areintegrally formed. Overlying the hologram, in the form shown in thisfigure, is an informational layer 954 which may contain fixedinformation or variable information or both. Overlying the informationallayer 954 are a plurality of partially metallized regions 960, 962, 964which will serve to visualize portions of the underlying hologram 952and underlying information contained in informational layer 954. Shownin exploded view is an overlying transparent lens 970 which will besecured to the base 950 as by influence of heat or adhesive as desired.The sealed assembly, therefore, provides customized informationalarticles which as a result of the presence of the holograms resistundesired photocopying, and as a result of the partial metallizedportions 960, 962, 964 and the information underlying informationallayer resists undesired counterfeiting with the assembly resistingaccess to the hologram 952, the informational layer 954 and thepartially metallized portions 960, 962, 964. If desired, partiallymetallized portions which are sufficiently thick as to resist reading anunderlying hologram or other information may be employed in addition toor in lieu of the metallized sections which permit viewing therethrough.If desired, different metals may be employed for different properties,such as aesthetics and efficient color contrast as well as creatingdesired resistance to reproduction. Further, different metals havedifferent electrical conductivities.

FIG. 18 shows an embodiment generally similar to FIG. 17 with the opaquebase 950 having a hologram 952 formed in the upper surface 953 thereofwith a plurality of partially metallized regions 976, 978, 980 containedwithin metallized layer 974. The term “partially metallized” as used inconnection with the embodiments of FIG. 17 through 20 means that one ormore metallized portions are presented in the product, but that lessthan all of the product is covered. The term “partial” therefore refersto the extent of coverage and is not directly related to the alternaterefinement regarding the extent to which a viewer may see through thepartially metallized layer to visualize the underlying hologram orinformation. This is a separate concept. In this embodiment, theinformational layer 954 overlies the partially metallized zones 976,978, 980. In both the embodiments of FIGS. 17 and 18, the informationmay be provided in partially underlying or overlying relationship withrespect to the partially metallized regions or be entirely independentthereof. Further, if desired, a combination of the embodiments of FIGS.17 and 18 may be provided with information both underlying and overlyingthe partially metallized layer such as 974.

Referring to FIG. 19, there is shown an identification card generallysimilar to that of FIG. 16, but showing features of this embodiment ofthe invention.

As shown in FIG. 19, a tamper-resistant informational article 1000 has atransparent upper anti-abrasive layer 1003. The assembly may begenerally the same as the embodiments discussed in connection with FIGS.17 and 18. As shown toward the center of FIG. 19, fixed information suchas “ABC CORPORATION” 1002 and “Atlanta Division” 1004 may be providedover the hologram, either under or over the partially metallizedgenerally horizontal rectangle 1070. For purposes of example, it will beassumed that the metallized layer 1070 has the fixed information 1002,1004 underlying the layer and that additional fixed information, such asthe letters “I” 1064 and “D” 1066, as well as the arrow 1068, overly themetallized region 1070. This combination makes it difficult to tamperwith or photo reproduce the informational article 1000. It is noted thattwo partially metallized regions 1010 and 1014 take the form of circleswhich do not permit viewing therethrough, but rather appear as metalliccircles.

Similarly, referring still to FIG. 19, partially metallized region 1058permits viewing therethrough of underlying hologram segments 1012, 1058,1060.

Customized information in the nature of the name “Judy Brown” 1050 and“No. 765” 1052 may be provided in any desired manner as by printing andis not associated with a partially metallized portion.

Photograph 1056 of the individual has been superimposed on a metallizedregion 1054 which metallized region serves to visualize a plurality ofhologram elements such as triangle 1055, squares 1057 and circles 1059.Efforts to photocopy this portion of the informational article 1000would be unsuccessful.

Referring to FIG. 20, a method of manufacturing the informationalarticle of FIGS. 17 through 19 will be considered. A suitable source ofa resinous plastic web material to serve as the base 950 may if the baseis sufficiently thick to be rigid be supplied in sheet-like form whichis severed into individual elements. Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 20,if the base is sufficiently thin as to be flexible, a supply of thematerial 1100 may be provided on reel 1102 and move in the directionindicated by arrow A to a first station where a pair of co-actingmembers 1106, 1108 have respective faces 1110, 1114 disposed on oppositesides of the web 1100 to form a hologram such as 952 in FIGS. 17 and 18on the undersurface of the web. Surface 1110 will generally be planarand irregular hologram forming surface 1114 has been exaggerated forpurposes if illustration. The web 1100 will dwell between the closedco-acting members 1106, 1108 for the desired period of time after whichit is opened and moves to processing station 1119.

In processing station 1119 are a first printer 1121 for use when it isdesired to print on predetermined portions of the hologram prior toapplication of partial metallizing by metallizer 1123. If it is desiredto print over the partially metallized portions in predeterminedregions, printer 1125 may be employed. The base web material 1100emerges with the hologram and either no printing or printing underlyingthe metallized portions or printing overlying the metallized portions orboth emerges as web 1127. The printers 1121, 1125 may be suitablyprogrammed thermal transfer printers, jet printers or any other suitablesource. A source of the lens material 1129, such as reel 1128, feeds thelens material between rolls 1134, 1136 which under the influence ofpressure and heat serves to intimately bond the assembly together.Further movement in the direction shown generally by arrow B results inthe cutting element 1140 which cooperates with anvil 1142 severingindividual informational articles as shown as 1146 with the undersurfaceof the base indicated as 1184.

It will be appreciated, therefore, that the present invention providesmeans for establishing an effective, economical, secure,tamper-resistant and photocopy resisting informational article and theresultant article. All of this is accomplished while facilitatingadvantageous use of holograms, transparent resinous plastic materials,photocopy resisting particles and providing fixed information andvariable information in a secure manner which information is readilyvisible to the naked eye and/or machine readable. This systemcontemplates embodiments wherein magnetic storage media and antennas maybe employed. Also, bar codes and other identifying means may be used.

Whereas particle embodiments of the present invention have beendescribed herein for purposes of illustration, it will be appreciated bythose skilled in the art that numerous variations of the details may bemade without departing from the invention, as described in the appendedclaims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A method of creating a tamper-resistantinformational article comprising providing an opaque resinous basemember having a lower surface and an upper surface, creating a hologramin the upper surface of said base member, partially metallizing saidupper surface, and permanently securing a transparent lens overlyingsaid base member upper surface.
 2. The method of creating atamper-resistant informational article of claim 1 including creating aplurality of partially metallized portions within said partiallymetallized layer.
 3. The method of creating a tamper-resistantinformational article of claim 2 including creating information at leastpartially overlying said partially metallized portions.
 4. The method ofcreating a tamper-resistant informational article of claim 2 includingproviding information at least partially underlying said partiallymetallized portions.
 5. The method of creating a tamper-resistantinformational article of claim 2 including providing at least some ofsaid partially metallized portions with portions of said hologramvisible therethrough.
 6. The method of creating a tamper-resistantinformational article of claim 4 including providing said underlyinginformation such that it will be visible through said partiallymetallized portions.
 7. The method of creating a tamper-resistantinformational article of claim 1 including creating said informationalarticle as a card.
 8. The method of creating a tamper-resistantinformational article of claim 1 including creating information betweensaid opaque base member upper surface and said transparent lens.
 9. Themethod of creating a tamper-resistant informational article of claim 8including creating said information with both fixed information andvariable information.
 10. The method of creating a tamper-resistantinformational article of claim 3 including creating said information atleast partially underlying said partially metallized portions.
 11. Themethod of creating a tamper-resistant informational article of claim 1including providing a photograph within and overlying a said partiallymetallized zone which in turn overlies a hologram.
 12. The method ofcreating a tamper-resistant informational article of claim 4 includingcreating said partially metallized portions such that underlyingholograms or information can be viewed therethrough.
 13. The method ofcreating a tamper-resistant informational article of claim 3 includingproviding said information by printing.